The President today declared a major disaster exists in the
Commonwealth of Kentucky and ordered Federal aid to supplement
commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe
storms and flooding on March 17-21, 2002.

Assistance can include disaster housing, grants, low-cost loans
to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help
individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the
disaster.

Federal funding also is available to eligible local
governments on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement
of public facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding.
Federal funding is also available on a cost share basis for hazard
mitigation measures.

The Agency said that damage surveys are continuing in other
areas, and additional counties may be added after the assessments are
completed.

The Agency said that residents and business owners who sustained
losses in the designated counties can begin applying for
assistance tomorrow by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362), or
1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The
toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven
days a week until further notice.